Key Features
- Leaf spots, and discoloration
- Defoliation, or shot holes in leaves
- Decreased winter hardiness
Symptoms
Cherry leaf spot causes colored spots develop on the upper surface on all cherries, including ornamental ones. The spot or lesion may enlarge, or become purple to brown, and may die from the center outward. The area surrounding the spot may remain green while the rest of the leaf turns yellow. Spots can be regular or irregularly shaped, and may merge if infection is severe. Spot development causes yellowing and leaf drop. Diseased leaf tissue may separate from healthy tissue, drop out, and give the leaf a shothole appearance. Cream-colored fungal spore masses may appear on the lower leaf surface during humid conditions. On fruit stems, infections sometimes girdle the stem to cause a fruit drop.
Biology
Management Recommendations
Rake up and destroy infected leaves. Leaves may be composted if completely decayed before spring. Make use of any practice that encourages decomposition of leaves prior to spring bud break, such as mowing or flailing. Apply 5% urea to leaves after leaf fall in autumn to enhance decomposition of fallen leaves. When planting new trees, ‘Kwanzan’ displays moderate resistance followed by ‘Autamnalis’. ‘Yoshino’ is highly susceptible
Effective Pesticides
Active Ingredients include: Captan, Chlorothalonil, Myclobutanil, Tebuconazole
